How to learn a new language: Amazing tips to enhance your language skills

Learning a new language does not have to be a time-consuming or tedious process. Although nothing can replace the necessary hard work and effort, you can certainly speed up the process. If you are wondering how to learn a new language, there are some tips to speed up your learning process.

In this guide, we will highlight some of the relevant tips to learn a new language. But, if you are looking for a professional trainer to help you achieve fluency in any language we recommend you italki teachers as they are highly experienced instructors with amazing teaching styles. Visit the website to select the tutor of your choice and let the learning begin!

Set learning goals

Setting goals for what you want to achieve is the first step in learning a new language quickly. Most of us are frightened by the prospect of learning a new language. There are numerous words to learn and numerous methods to study.

According to research, people who set the right kind of goals are more likely to succeed. Setting goals helps you to focus your attention so you can stop worrying about the details and get down to business.

Set short-term objectives. It is beneficial to have an ultimate goal—something you hope to accomplish. Long-term goals, on the other hand, are too overwhelming to motivate you on a daily basis. Divide your overall goal into smaller chunks and set smaller goals for each week or month.

Set specific goals and concentrate on what you want to learn rather than how much time you want to spend studying. “This week, I’m going to learn 40 Spanish vocabulary words related to traveling,” for example, is a good goal.

Writing down your goals allows you to commit to them. Post your goals somewhere visible, such as your bathroom mirror or the home screen of your smartphone. Keep on looking at them to stay motivated.

Use flashcards

Using the best study techniques, such as flashcards, will help you learn your words faster. Flashcards allow you to focus on individual words and test yourself, which aids in the retention of new information.

Paper flashcards are as effective as they have always been, but digital flashcards allow you to carry large stacks on your smartphone or tablet. You can also use flashcards that others have created and made available.

Before turning over the card, try to guess the meaning of a word. Flashcards work best when used to test your memory, so don’t flip the cards too quickly. Make a guess even if you don’t know the word.

Learn the translations first, and then the new words. Begin by memorizing the English translation of a foreign word written on the side of a flashcard. Later, flip the cards over and practice saying the foreign words as you see their English equivalents.

Go for smart study

There are some great strategies to memorize new words while learning a language:

Visualize and speak aloud. Visualize the new word you are learning, imagine the image it represents, and say it aloud. This allows you to connect concepts and improves memorization.

When you use physical actions while learning, your brain learns better. Use this to your advantage by gesticulating. To learn the German word Schuh (shoe), say it while pretending to put on a shoe.

When you read and write, you should talk. If you vocalize your target language, you will remember it more quickly. Read anything you read or write aloud while attempting to mimic the accent of a true native. Remember that the ultimate goal is to speak, so this step is significant.

Make use of mnemonic devices. Create a sentence using the new word you are learning, its meaning, and a word from your native language that sounds similar.

Think in the language you want to learn

People will tell you that you are not fluent in a foreign language until you catch yourself thinking about it. That makes perfect sense. Thinking as much as possible in your target language will help you avoid mistakes and accelerate your learning and speaking process.

It may also assist you in avoiding confusion during a conversation. For example, if you want to learn English, it is important for you to think about the things around you in the English language.  But, if you must translate, plan ahead of time. Using translation and referring to languages you already know can help you, but there are ways to do it efficiently and correctly.

Watch movies and read subtitles

This is the time to include movies and video content in your language program. They are an excellent example of thorough input. Bring in some resources that you enjoy to make studying more enjoyable. It may appear to be a waste of time, but we assure you that it is not. Netflix is a good place to find movies in a variety of languages.

Consider the idioms, conversational phrases, and essential vocabulary that appear in them. They are not only interesting, but they also immerse you in the culture.

If you want to maximize the potential of foreign films for language learning, you should watch them in the following stages:

To begin, watch the movie or a specific scene while reading the subtitles. If you don’t understand a word, write it down in your personal dictionary and define it. Pronounce those words with care and attention to the accent. Fit them into your own sentences if you can, so you will understand how they can be used in different situations.

Replay the movie or scene without subtitles. It is critical that you comprehend as much of the speech as possible. That way, you can improve your listening comprehension and fluency.

Listen to music

If you enjoy listening to music, why not do so in your target language? When you sing, words flow more naturally, and it is easier to pronounce them correctly. Music is also enjoyable because it provides a direct link to the culture being studied. Of course, if you want to improve your fluency, you should listen to music with lyrics. Look up the lyrics and try to sing along.

It makes no difference whether you have a musical talent or are completely tone-deaf. The only thing that matters is that you follow the flow of the words. Nothing is more fluid than the way words connect through song.

Read literature

Another excellent strategy to improve your language skills is reading. It improves your vocabulary, grammar, and sentence construction while also broadening your cultural knowledge.

If advanced novels and books are too difficult for you right now, try learning with bilingual books, children’s books, or language learners’ books. Note down different words from the book you read. You can also use language exchange websites to translate the content into your native language to understand the underlying meanings.

Seek real-life practice

Begin talking right away, from the beginning of your language learning journey. Some of the best learning occurs in real-life situations, especially when you are forced to use a foreign language.

This is the preferred method of organizations which frequently places people with little or no knowledge of a language in full immersion situations. Although such situations can be unpleasant, they provide a powerful incentive to learn quickly.

You can find a language learning partner. You can collaborate to make plans and set goals, increasing your level of accountability and keeping you on track to fluency. You can also practice with a language exchange partner by exchanging half an hour of speaking English (or other languages you’re fluent in) for half an hour of speaking the language you want to learn.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Which factor is the most important to learn a language?

When learning a new language, the most critical factor is goal setting. Set realistic learning goals for yourself and stick to them until you achieve them.

Q. What motivates people to study a language?

A. Whether it’s to meet new people or to improve communication with someone they already know, learning a language for a partner is quickly becoming one of the most common reasons people pick up a second, third, or even fourth language.

Q. Which is the most difficult first language?

A. Mandarin

Conclusion

If you want to learn a new language, focus on the strategies discussed in this guide. You can also look for learning resources such as English learning at Rosetta stone. Explore different learning platforms and choose the suitable one for you.

If you are already learning a language and want to assess your progress, you can take up italki language test. Such tests are helpful in assessing the progress levels, areas of strength, and improvement.